Christchurch, New Zealand, so Cool...no really...brrr

Alright for those of you who appreciate the quaint little cities of culture and beauty; have I got a destination for you.  Skip Auckland and head for the South Island of New Zealand.  It is picturesquw, friendly, alot of things to do and see, agreat Art'sDistrict, Botanical Gardens, Town Square full of activities, markets and shops.  There is a trolley (over priced) just as easy to walk the trolley rail to see the sights.  Wonderful river thru the city that is awesome with boat rentals (kyack, paddles and for those romatic/lazy gondola ride with your own parisian dressed godola paddler?)  There is a beautifully tree lined walk/bike trail that is a must do.  The town square right by the CC church is a bevy of entertainers, both acrobatic, dance and musicians in a big open area that actually has some shade and benches to sit and enjoy.

The "Flower Festival" was in full bloom during my visit.  Beautiful displays of floral arrangements that this years theme was "WATER".  I went to the 10am service as it was choral/boy's choir.  The music was inspirational.  The choir was from at least 8yrs to mid 30's.  ACAPPELLA....gave me chills, the best kind, the hair on my arms were standing up and it was so incredibly beautiful; with the flower arrangements scents, and the granduer of the Church itself....WOW...see what I mean!

Pretty well desribes me!

Fresh start after Auckland...Yeah!

Crakey...there is a 23kg weight limit on domestic flights...On quantas I am allowed 2 bags up to 32kg.  My luggage was originally weighed in at 28kg.  This is my backpack.  No worries they only stop the Asians and humiliate them to repack to meet the weight requirement.  thank goodness.

Boys Choir rehersal...almost as good as the service itself.

Preist greating his parishoners, real nice asked if I was traveling and blessed me for safe travels..Nice guy!  The Floral festival spread on the ground up the center aisle was one of many in the church and around the city.  Beautiful time to visit.

September 4, 2010, 7.1 earthquake hit New Zealand.  There is alot of damage to the older buildings, brick/fascade damage, almost all the churches many with their steeples removed for repair.  street closures, sidewalks barricaded, small shops relocated due to structural damage in the older buildings.  Fortunately no deaths and only minor injuries.

"CHALISE"  One of many art sculptures in and around the city center.  This one stand just outside the Church entry in the town square.



A little fun at the Christchurch Museum!  Not only balance but long legs help.



Christchurch crest

Irish Humor over O'Sullivan's Pub

Sculptures round the city

Sculpture...Endless Time...Love that!

just for the Boy's...And they mean it!

Ity sculpture...looks like Asparagus but I think it is radio tower or funky light fixture...as usual nobody local to ask.

Modern dance group in the Town Center outside the church...cool chanting and instruments aong with a ritual tribal modern dance vibe.  caught it on video clip as well.

Architectural Gateway of Rememberance.  These folks are very forgetful as they have alot of Lest we forget reminders everywhere.  Actually it is another of many war memorials.  All the museums also have a high percentage of memorail war diplays.

About how I feel about the internet connections at the end of the day.  Tribal mask at the Christchurch museum.  The pics got out of order but you can read below to get caught up.  Off to more Art's district and market FUN.  Off to Franz josef on the train early in the am for 5 days.  Not sure of the WIFI (free) options so may be a few days b4 my next update.  No Worries from Down Under....Cheers Mates!



Boy's Choir...did I mention they sang w/o accompiniment...acapella...could have stayed all day.

this is of course Sunday, so the rest of the day i spent wandering around as I wanted to get a good feelof the area although most things were closed.  I discoverd the Art's District with the Botanical Gardens and Museum at the end of the trolley route.  Figured if there is a trolley, just like in Dallas, that circles the city center and you follow the track many of the sights will be within a quick walk of the tracks.  Lesson 101 of traveling, get the tour bus map and skip the ticket to ride so you can see the sights at your pace and not as I have come to call the bus/train/van tours...hostage transportatioin.  Once on you just drive by all the things you may otherwise of wanted to pop into or spend a little longer exploring.  If you are capable of walking then this si the best sightseeing experience, weight loss program, chance to meet locals (because you will always be stopping them on the street to ask directioins when you get lost/turned around).   Note to self:  NEVER stop anyone who is holding a city map/brochure as they are as lost as you and will never be able to steer you back to civilization.  Why do you think they are standing on the same corner as you looking bewildered/desperate/verge of tears; hoping for the Gods's of direction/common sence/perserverance/map reading to smile down on them.  Don't mess with their Karma they need it real bad and you will be draned of yours when all you have to tell them is turn around they are already at their final destination and yet they are no help whatso ever in providing guidence to let you know that you have beenwalking in the wrong direction on the correct street for half an hour but need the turn the map the other way round in order to reach where you want to go.  Did I mention I failed map reading in Scouts.